Chapter 189: Younger Sister (3) (1/2)

I also had a younger sister, though now I could no longer remember her voice. Someone who was sometimes annoying, at other times grumpy for unknown reasons, and would glance at me up and down when I called her name. Of course, that girl wasn’t Yeriel.

Yeriel wasn’t that girl. It might be my misunderstanding that their personalities were similar at first glance or even felt similar. Maybe I just wanted to replace her with Yeriel. Ever since I first met Yeriel, I might have begun to harbor those selfish thoughts without realizing them. However, there was nothing more foolish than wandering into the source of an unknown emotion.

I hated philosophies that contemplated and explored one’s self. I didn’t waste time looking for reasons behind my emotions. I had pride in this unchanging self, so I would never lie.

So I could be sure of Yeriel, who found me first after I became Deculein. Whether Yeriel was Demon Blood or not, nothing changed. I already thought of her as my younger sister. These were my words, I, who was Kim Woojin that became Deculein.

“Yeriel.”

I looked at Yeriel. She had her mouth shut, and her two large eyes shook.

“Go back now. Go, take charge of your estate. Yukline needs you.”

“…”

Then Yeriel swallowed and wiped away her tears with her sleeves.

“…What did the Demon Blood ask from you?”

Yeriel was curious about it, but Elesol didn’t ask for much. Do not operate the gas chambers in Rohalak, don’t randomly execute political prisoners held there, and once every three months, allow them communication with Rohalak.

“You don’t need to know.”

Yeriel met my eyes.

“Then… what do you want to do with the Demon Blood from now on?”

“I can’t reverse the flow. Now, the Empire, the Continent, and the Emperor seek the suppression and destruction of the Demon Blood, and I cannot go against the waves.”

Sophien held a grudge against the Demon Blood. They were the only way to reach the Altar.

“The Demon Blood and the Empire have gone too far. I will still suppress the Demon Blood, but one day, when the time is right, I will be able to convey one thing to Her Majesty.”

Sacrificing the Demon Blood to clear the main quest. Of course, it might not be the right way, but a villain chooses any means and methods to achieve his goal. If I could break the Altar more efficiently, I would gladly do so. Even if I paid the price someday, I would be satisfied.

“…I. I have a question.”

Yeriel stuttered as she approached me.

“You used to hate me. But…”

Her voice cut off and curled back inside.

“All brothers and sisters grow up fighting. You should return to your estate.”

“…Hmph.”

Yeriel had eyes swollen as if stung by a bee, but instead of leaving, she crossed her arms.

“What are you doing?”

“…You told me to go. But I don’t know how to get back from here. I’m thinking.”

It was then a cheerful voice came up from the hillside.

“Ah! You are here! Professor!”

Yeriel and I looked around. There was the talented adventurer who delivered my letters to the Emperor.

“…Here. Your Majesty’s reply.”

He handed me a letter as he went down on one knee. I bowed my head to show courtesy before accepting it.

“Wow, you did a really good job on the last letter. I was amazed as I read it.”

The adventurer stood with a grin. I stared at him.

“Then I’ll be going.”

“…Wait.”

I caught the man before he left. He tilted his head.

“Can you transport people?”

“You mean carry someone?”

I looked at Yeriel. She frowned upon realizing what I meant.

“Yes? Oh, it is possible.”

“What? Leave me to the postman?”

“He’s an adventurer, not an ordinary postman.”

“No, still-“

“Quiet.”

Ignoring Yeriel, I looked at the cost of the postage. The price was quite high, but—

“What?! Five million Elnes?! It’s highway robbery. The transportation of materials doesn’t even cost that much!”

Yeriel, glancing at it, was dazzled. I covered her mouth and sighed.

“Take her.”

“Yes! I’ll take you very safely and comfortably. Miss Yeriel!”

“…”

Yeriel looked at me with a mixture of dissatisfaction and sorrow.

“Yeriel.”

“…What.”

“Don’t make that disgusting face. Keep showing respect to your brother.”

“…I mean, what-“

“As if nothing had happened.”

I brushed off the snowflakes on her head with Psychokinesis.

“Stay like that. In the future, as before, as now.”

Yeriel looked up at me without saying a word. She clenched her teeth and her fists. Then she lowered her head toward the floor and took a deep breath before meeting my eyes again.

“…I got it.”

I nodded. Yeriel trudged over to the adventurer, and she whispered to him.

-Hey. Still, five million is way too expensive. Can’t I get a discount?

“Professor! Miss Yeriel-“

“Ahhh! Got it! I’m going! Let’s go!”

I watched the adventurer carry her down the mountain.

* * *

A night in the North under a starry and moonlit sky.

Returning home with the adventurer, Yeriel went over Deculein’s words.

—One day, even if Yukline abandons you. I will not leave you.

The uncharacteristic side he showed her. Though she could still hear it in her head, his voice still felt like a dream. So, Yeriel was suspicious.

“…Am I worthy?”

Did she have the right to hear such words? Was she worthy of receiving this kind of love?

‘I’m the one who hated Deculein. I’m the one who hated him so much. I hated him madly and even wanted to kill him…’

That thought alone made her heart ache. Yeriel clutched her chest.

“…Since when.”

Since when did Deculein know? Perhaps he had known from since she was young, or maybe he at least noticed vaguely. So maybe he hated her.

“Haah…”

As a child, she wanted to be loved by him. She tried hard, but in the end, Yeriel gave up, saying it was impossible, and protected herself by turning that love to hate. While she remained stagnant, he lost the one he loved, matured, and that was why he eventually forgave her and accepted her.

‘I didn’t even know that, and I was laughing at him, saying that it was punishment when his fiancée died.’

“…Thbbft.”

Yeriel blew her nose. The adventurer walking alongside her glanced over.

“Are you crying?”

“What, why would I cry? When did I cry? My nose was itching.”

“Hmmm~.”

“More importantly, I told you we should negotiate again.”

“What kind of negotiation are you talking about?”

“I mean… don’t treat my brother as a pushover.”

“What, from here to Yukline, seven million Elnes is enough. I’m giving you directions and escort.”

Yeriel puffed her cheeks and glared at him.